Believers have gone from being marginalized to being demonized. The U.S. was founded on Biblical principles, but the media, the school systems, and the government are now openly opposed to God’s truth. This is new to us, but it’s not new. Early believers were persecuted more than we are experiencing so far, so we can look to them for direction and encouragement in dealing with a changing culture.
Galatians 5:1
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
As believers, we are called to stand for the truth in love. Notice the word, stand. We need to be willing to stand for God’s truth, not our own. Our understanding of right and wrong must come from the word of God.
1 Peter 5:6-9
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Julie and I were paddling a two-person kayak when the waves stared splashing over the edge, and we started taking on water. We hadn’t removed the plugs to let the water drain, and so we found ourselves in danger of sinking. We carefully paddled to the shore just before we tipped over. When we allow the world’s changing truths to direct our voyage, we will soon be so full of lies, we will end up off course and underwater. Are we committed to God’s word or are we listening to today’s cultural norms for what is good and right?
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
Is there an area in your life that you’ve allowed the world to influence you?
What can you do today to get back on the right path of God’s truth?